Farm row spills into court

Ivan Zhakata Court Reporter
A woman reportedly teamed up with her three sons and severely assaulted their neighbour over ownership of a farm.

Florence Munetsi allegedly ganged up with her sons Billy, Simon and Frank and bashed Clemence Matanhiko claiming his farm belongs to them. Matanhiko, who was seeking a peace order against the four, told Harare Civil court magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa that the family harasses him and his family. He told the court that Munetsi threatened to kill him over the ownership of his farm.

“They insult me and my family and they have also cultivated on my land. Florence threatened to kill me over the farm and she teamed up with her sons and assaulted me using sticks.

“I have an offer letter for the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement to prove that the farm is mine but this family is tormenting me and my family.”

Munetsi refuted the allegations. She told the court that her son, Frank was the owner of the farm and he has an offer letter to that effect.

“Frank, my son, is the owner of the farm but unfortunately he is not present to respond to the allegations,” Munetsi said. We have never assaulted or insulted Matanhiko but he is the one who is violent towards us,” she said.

Billy, Simon and Frank were not present to respond to the allegations levelled against them.

Mrs Gofa granted a reciprocal protection order and ordered the two to keep peace with each other until the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement determines the real owner of the farm in question.